THANK THE GODS FOR HENBANEby CN Winters
In a story that recalls Gabrielle's first experience with henbane in the episode ALTARED STATES, CN's new offering has the bard once again loosing all her inhibitions thanks to the drug...only this time the bard manages to get Xena in a slightly different and much more tempting situation ;-) Short, cute and sexy little tale. - 4 pgs., 5/10/98http://www.amazontrails.com/xena/henbane.htm[French version: TU T'ES VUE QUAND T'AS PRIS DE L'HERBE AUX POULES?translated by John Doe at http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Land/8379/henbane.html]

THAT DAMNED KISSby Danae Clean the floor before reading this because you're going to end up ROTFLOL! - Ok, ok newbies - that's short for "rolling on the floor, laughing out loud" - there are other varieties of that too but it usually involves the rolling on the floor part. Now, where was I - uh, YES - this great new parody - NOT to be missed! While waiting for their appointment with a psychologist, a very confused and somewhat frustrated Xena and Gabby try to figure out exactly WHAT type of relationship they are supposed to be having. Wonderful cast of characters in this. - 7 pgs., 5/15/97http://xenafan.com/fiction/content/damnedkiss.htmlhttp://ausxip.com/fanfic/damnedkiss.html

**THAT ROAD ONCE TRODDENby Karen Surtees
This writer's debut on the Web is an exceptional new story with a lot of heart that begins with Xena and bard on their way to Amphipolis for a much-deserved rest and what Gabrielle hopes will be a chance for the warrior to touch base with her mother. Before it's over, however, Cyrene not only will have learned more about the daughter she saw become a destroyer of nations, but also about the young bard who loves that warrior now and believes in her above all else. Featuring one of the better characterizations of Xena's mom I've seen in fan fiction as well as solid depictions of our two heroines, this story is deeply rooted in the dynamics of the Xena/Gab relationship. Poignant and heartwarming at the same time, this is a MUST READ! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! [See the sequel BEHOLD A PALE HORSE] - 24 pgs., 5/2/98FANFIC ART: Ciegra Story Coverhttp://xenafan.com/fiction/content3/oncetrodden.html[Palm Pilot version available at XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]

THAT WHICH DOES NOT KILL USby Mike
A brilliant retelling of the dramatic last few minutes of the first season episode IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE which chronicles Gabrielle's visit to the Elysian Fields and the decision she makes while there. Mike does a fantastic job of combining dialogue from the actual episode with the events unfolding in his tale. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! [Note: story is not explicit] - 5 pgs., 4/12/98http://ferengi.cardiff-net.co.uk/xenanet/fiction/thatwhich.html

THEODICYby D. Joan Leib
Set after BETRAYAL - THE DEBT II, this sequel to APOTHEOSIS presents a very tense situation between Xena and Gabrielle just as they receive a summons from the Amazon Nation requesting the bard's presence. Aware of her responsibilities, Gabrielle prepares herself to try to deal with the problems of the Amazons, all the while wondering if her relationship with the warrior has been irreparably damaged. An emotional, well-written story with a satisfying treatment of some of the problems presented in the rift. [See the sequel AETHEOGAMY] - 174 pgs., 1/21/98http://www.englishchick.com/fic/xena/theo1.htm

THERE IS NO DARKNESS and BY ANY OTHER NAME - Parts 1-2 of TALES OF A WARRIOR PRINCESSby J. Duderstadt
The first two parts to a new alt. story that has Xena and Gabby fighting the usual thugs as they finally admit their feelings for one another and take their relationship in a new direction. Some of the exchanges here are quite funny and reminiscent of the ones people have when they are just getting use to a new intimacy. NOTE: the second story is just below the first one but a lot of empty space separates the two so make sure to scroll down in your browser and you'll see part two. - 17 pgs., 6/97http://members.aol.com/SmLClemens/others/thereisnodarkness.html

THERE'S MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SKIN A CATby Flop
Hmmm...I wasn't sure after reading this little tale whether to recommend it...or KILL the bard ;-) Figured I'd recommend it because...well, discomfort loves company and bardicide just was not gonna make matters any better! Flop's latest has Xena presenting her beloved bard with a little gift purchased from a mysterious old crone and meant to make their upcoming quality time a tad different. Nice writing, playful characterizations and a SIZZLING premise make this one a fun, if EXCRUCIATINGLY FRUSTRATING, read ;-) Join me in my misery gang - DO NOT MISS! [unfinished] - 10 pgs., 3/30/99http://www.theflophouse.com/SkinACat.html

THERE'S PROFIT IN HISTORYby Psyche
This is a crossover story involving the characters of XWP and a short-lived show called PROFIT. Although I never watched PROFIT myself, I didn't have problems following this story and I found a lot of it quite funny. The tale basically has the characters of Gabrielle and Gail changing places so Gail ends up in Ancient Greece while the bard experiences the modern world. It should particularly appeal to fans of both shows but give it a try regardless. Note: the story does include some subtext but nothing explicit. - 32 pgs., 10/8/97http://web.archive.org/web/20010606234709/http://xwp-altfic.simplenet.com/profit.htm

**THIRD DEATH (A)by C.L. Bactad
This new warlord/slave novel is simply put - one wild ride! It begins with Xena and Gabrielle on their way to Crete, but it is a journey neither will complete as a vengeful God of War puts into play an evil plan to forever separate the two lovers. The repercusions will challenge them as never before, turning partners into enemies...soulmates into strangers. Featuring a very passionate, loving interpretation of the Xena/Gab relationship, this story is gripping and suspenseful as it sets up one of the greatest tests their love will ever face. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 330 pgs., 4/15/98http://bearblue.150m.com/library2/1990s/STO/amazons/thirddeath.html[Palm Pilot version available at XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]

**THIRD WHEEL (THE) by Jenbob
Although this story marks Jenbob's debut on the Web as a XWP fan fiction bard, her works are well-known among aficionados of alt. fiction who got to read this MAGNIFICENT story when it was first offered through some of the XWP mailing lists back in January 1997. To put it simply, THE THIRD WHEEL is among the best pieces of fan fiction I have ever read and the first in at least two novels (keep those fingers crossed for MORE >:) that you will *NOT* want to miss. The novel picks up the story of Xena and Gabrielle as they come upon an attack on a small village. It is while fighting the raiders that Xena encounters an old acquaintance - a one-time friend and a former lieutenant in her army who now perhaps has more in common with the Warrior Princess than they ever did before. Rekindling an old friendship, the two are soon making plans to fight the raiders, speaking of times gone by and admitting truths they cannot admit to others - all the while a certain bard is feeling more and more left out and increasingly...jealous. Exceedingly well-written and edited, featuring rich characterizations, and a well-conceived plot full of action, humor, and emotion, this story marks the beginning of one of the most tender, passionate and romantic depictions of the Xena/Gabrielle relationship you will ever encounter in fan fiction. THE THIRD WHEEL simply is a MUST for anyone who enjoys a well told story. It is a DELIGHT to read and carries my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!! [Do not miss the sequel A FINE LINE] - 210 pgs., 11/13/97http://cousinliz.com/fanfic/jenbob_ttw(1).htmlhttp://ausxip.com/fanfic/thirdwheel1-2.html[Palm Pilot version available at XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]

**THIS DAYby Flynn
Brace yourself for this tale because it will touch your heart as few others have, it will make you smile, it will make you weep, it will leave you longing for that thing we call love and marveling at the power of a story which can so eloquently express it. This is very simply a tale of two lives brought together by love, of adventures shared, fears conquered and destinies fulfilled. It is a story about a warrior and a bard and the day on which they finally decide to end a quest they started together outside the village of Poteidaia many years before. This tale does grade a multi-hankie alert but know that every one of those hankies is WELL-worth it. This is a very special read folks. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 5 pgs., 8/25/97http://xenafan.com/fiction/content/thisday.html[French version: CE JOUR-LÀtranslated by Katell at http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Studio/4243/flynn1.html]

**THIS IS A FIRST-TIME STORYby Temora
A DELIGHTFUL little story not as much about THE first-time but about all the first-times leading up to it as a warrior and a bard realize over time that they touch one another's souls as no one else ever has. Featuring a wisecracking but astute narrator, this is a charming tale about clicking with that special friend and falling in love. A MUST READ! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 11 pgs., 5/20/01http://ausxip.com/fanfic14/firsttimestory.html

THIS LITTLE DAREby Zzelami
Break out the good wine and get a nice blaze going in that fireplace because Zzelami's latest is one for the romantic in us all. A WONDERFUL, sweet, funny, at times heart-wrenching but ultimately hopeful tale that begins simply enough with a certain bard hearing about one of Xena's many skills and extending...a little dare ;-) Before long the Warrior
Princess is immersed in meeting the challenge, and then some...never suspecting the deep hidden truths Gabrielle's dare could uncover. This is a very special read that will leave you screaming SEQUEL! - but don't despair, Zzelami has been warned that many of us will be stocking up on the tar and feathers unless we eventually see MORE from her >:) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 23 pgs., 2/4/98FANFIC ART: "If Only That Towel Wasn't There" by Angeliquehttp://ausxip.com/fanfic2/thislittledare.html[Palm Pilot version available at XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]

THOSE WHOM THE GODS...by Pink Rabbit Productions
The latest offering by this gifted writing team is set after the events in THE FURIES and has Gabrielle trying to help Xena deal with the emotional aftermath of her bout with madness. It is a challenge the bard is willing to face head on despite the very real threat posed by a jealous God of War. This story ties in nicely with the current going ons in the series and once
again features the loving, sensual treatment of the Xena/Gab relationship that is a hallmark of Pink Rabbit stories. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 7 pgs., 11/4/97http://www.altfic.com/subtextfic/Xena/prp/ThoseWhom.htm

THOUGHTSby Blue
In an interesting stylistic choice that works very well, Blue has broken up this new story into three parts with the first told from Xena's perspective, the second from Gabrielle's, and the third told in third person. We are made privy to the thoughts of these two women even before they find the courage to admit these to one another. Well-written and quite passionate. After this you will NEVER look at cherries in quite the same way again! >:) - 6 pgs., 6/97http://ausxip.com/fanfic/thoughts.html

**THOUGHTS OF A BARDby Becky Lutzke
This veteran talent delivers a hauntingly beautiful little piece here as a bard offers a tribute to the strength of an old friend, sensing in the endurance of its spirit an immortality to mirror the eternal love between two soulmates. Set twenty years after an ex-warlord first met a determined youngster from Poteidaia, this is a peaceful meditation from a happy and grateful heart. Lovely. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 2 pgs., 1/9/99http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Corridor/6211/thoughts.html

**THREE NAKED BARDS … OH MY! (THE QUILL IS MIGHTIER—THE DIRECTOR’S CUT)by Anima
Anima rewrites the ending of the episode THE QUILL IS MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD into what is admittedly a rather twisted but very cute and surprisingly poignant version of the first time story. The tale has Xena on her way back from that strange and rather abrupt fishing expedition she was compelled to go on when to her shock she runs into a naked, dancing Gabrielle. Before long the Warrior Princess finds herself trying to keep three VERY friendly nude versions of her friend safe, and trying to steel her own heart against their innocent assault on it. Anima blends wicked humor with some touching revelations here to produce a story fated to go in your "guilty pleasures" file ;-) A well-written episode tie-in that comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 9 pgs., 11/28/98FANFIC ART: "Three Naked Bards" by Slashhttp://home.att.net/~ianima/threebards.htm[Palm Pilot version available at XENA FAN FICTION FOR THE PALM PILOT]

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASSby Chrysippa
An exciting adventure that has the granddaughters of Mel Pappas and Janice Covington digging in the ruins of an ancient city when they find a mysterious mirror which opens a window to the past, revealing what happened during the last days of that city. The ancient story begins with Xena and her bard responding to a distress call from an old friend of the Warrior Princess - a beautiful queen whose kingdom is on the verge of destruction both from natural forces and human greed. Undaunted, Xena and Gabrielle put into play a desperate plan to try to save the inhabitants and themselves before it's too late. All the while, the two are struggling with lingering insecurities and old wounds, loving each other and yet doubting they are worthy of that love. Well-written and origial, this is a fun read. - 3/4/98http://web.archive.org/web/20010606234709/http://xwp-altfic.simplenet.com/ThroughtheLookingGlass.txt